Journal entry by Sloan Shoemaker —
Greetings. Thank you so much for being a part of Dad's life and visiting this site to keep abreast of his condition and share your thoughts, reflections, and love.
As you may know, Dad has a fatal lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its a wretched disease whose progression makes breathing more and more difficult. Dad was initially diagnosed about 6 years ago and given a 3-5 year prognosis. Because he is otherwise so healthy, he's outlived that initial prognosis by nearly a year...strong like bull!
Lately however, it's getting the better of him. He went on oxygen full time last fall and it's been increasingly challenging to keep enough oxygen in his blood. We engaged hospice in early June and he had a good month getting used to the new routine. Unfortunately, last Thursday, 6/31, things took a turn for the worse and he had a terrifying experience of extreme air hunger. He couldn't catch his breath and, for the first time, felt as if he was dying. 911 was called and he was hospitalized. Fortunately, expert care at St. Francis stabilized him enough to allow him to return home.
Dad wishes to spend his last days in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family and mementos of his robust life. Hospice staff are showing up daily to ensure he remains as comfortable as possible. Given that the slightest exertion causes his blood oxygen levels to plummet, he is bed bound. Some days and some times of day are better than others. Visits buoy his spirits but also wear him out. We are taking it day by day.
Dad is very alert and his sense of humor is firmly intact. He'd love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, feelings, laughs, and stories to lift him up through these final days.
with deep appreciation,
Sloan
As you may know, Dad has a fatal lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its a wretched disease whose progression makes breathing more and more difficult. Dad was initially diagnosed about 6 years ago and given a 3-5 year prognosis. Because he is otherwise so healthy, he's outlived that initial prognosis by nearly a year...strong like bull!
Lately however, it's getting the better of him. He went on oxygen full time last fall and it's been increasingly challenging to keep enough oxygen in his blood. We engaged hospice in early June and he had a good month getting used to the new routine. Unfortunately, last Thursday, 6/31, things took a turn for the worse and he had a terrifying experience of extreme air hunger. He couldn't catch his breath and, for the first time, felt as if he was dying. 911 was called and he was hospitalized. Fortunately, expert care at St. Francis stabilized him enough to allow him to return home.
Dad wishes to spend his last days in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family and mementos of his robust life. Hospice staff are showing up daily to ensure he remains as comfortable as possible. Given that the slightest exertion causes his blood oxygen levels to plummet, he is bed bound. Some days and some times of day are better than others. Visits buoy his spirits but also wear him out. We are taking it day by day.
Dad is very alert and his sense of humor is firmly intact. He'd love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts, feelings, laughs, and stories to lift him up through these final days.
with deep appreciation,
Sloan
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